City police report big spike in seizure of replica firearms

The number of replica guns seized in the city of Vancouver has more than doubled in the past two years.

Vancouver police on Tuesday displayed an extensive cache of fake firearms that have been seized during the first six months of 2020, noting seizures of replica guns were up 107 per cent compared to the same period in 2018.

Many are seized by police from individuals committing other offences.

“The firearms may be fake, but the risk is real, as it is impossible to distinguish them from real weapons without close examination,” said Insp. Lisa Byrne.

In the first half of 2018, there were 103 replica firearms seized. In 2019, that figure rose to 163. In 2020, it again rose to 213 guns seized from January to June.

About 80 per cent of the fake guns are seized from known offenders, and the replicas are usually used while individuals are committing assault, identity theft, drug trafficking or probationary violations.

Byrne said half of the replica guns came to police attention via 911 calls.

While possessing a fake firearm is not a crime, it is illegal to brandish, point or refer to a replica gun while committing an offence.

It is also illegal to possess the replica for a dangerous purpose, and illegal to carry or conceal a weapon intended to be used in threats or intimidation.

In one recent incident, Byrne said police responded to a report of a man with a gun in an alleyway near Main and Cordova streets.

“In this case, five males were taken into custody in a vehicle as a result,” said Byrne.

The arrests, she said, led to the seizure of a “significant amount” of fentanyl and methamphetamine and two real firearms — a .40-calibre handgun and a rifle.

“The VPD will take all available enforcement action when encountering imitation firearms, thus making sure that everyone is safe in their communities,” said Byrne.

“These weapons present real dangers when used inappropriately and we will be proceeding with charges when we can.”